It is possible to become Private Helicopter Pilot after passing 10th standard or its equivalent by obtaining Private Helicopter Pilot License (PHPL) from Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Those who have passed 12th standard with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics can obtain Commercial Helicopter Pilot License (CHPL) from DGCA and become Commercial Helicopter Pilot. Both girls and boys can apply for PHPL and DGCA. Only graduates can become Air Force Pilot through Combined Defense Service Examination, National Cadet Corps Special Entry or Short Service Commission entry.

Private Helicopter Pilot

Private Helicopter Pilot License can be obtained by forwarding the application to Directorate General of Civil Aviation after completing the flying training course. Candidates need to have completed 16 ½ years of age while joining the training course and 17 years of age while applying for the license.

Those who want to apply for the license should pass 10th standard from any recognized Board. If this is not the case, then they should complete any course equivalent to it from a recognized institution.

Candidates should also prove their medical fitness by obtaining Class II medical fitness certificate from DGCA empanelled doctor or any recognized medical establishment.

Commercial Helicopter Pilot

To obtain Commercial Helicopter Pilot License for becoming a Commercial Helicopter Pilot, one should complete their flying training course at reputed training academy and forward their application to Directorate General of Civil Aviation. It is mandatory that the candidates need to have completed 18 years of age while applying for the license. Also, their age should not be less than 17 years when they join the flying training course.

Educational qualification required to apply for this license is to have a pass marks in final year examination of senior secondary (Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics as compulsory subjects) or its equivalent course. They should have passed the relevant examination from a recognized University/Board.

Another requirement for obtaining license is to have a Class II medical fitness certificate from empanelled doctor of DGCA or any recognized medical establishment. But before the commencement of flying training course, candidates need to obtain Class I medical status.

Air Force Pilot

Candidates can become Air Force Pilot through Combined Defense Service Examination, National Cadet Corps Special Entry or Short Service Commission entry. Age requirements specified to apply through any of these three schemes is between 19 and 23 years. Graduation is the minimum educational requirement specified for all of these schemes. Candidates need to have studied Physics and Mathematics at senior secondary level before completing their graduation from a recognized University.

Only men candidates can apply through Combined Defense Service Examination and National Cadet Corps Special Entry. By applying through these schemes, one can become Permanent Commissioned Officer. National Cadet Corps Special Entry scheme is for the ‘C’ certificate holder of Air Wing Senior division in National Cadet Corps. Short Service Commission is for both women and men candidates to render their service for 14 years. No further extension can be expected as Short Service Commissioned Officer.

Candidates are required to qualify the Pilot Aptitude Battery Test (PABT) and Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) for becoming an Air Force Pilot.